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University of California, Berkeley

English

Harvard University Graduate School of Education

Master's

Education

University of California, Berkeley (English)

Harvard University Graduate School of Education (Master's)

About Irma

I am a graduate of UC Berkeley with an English major and a history minor and received a M.A.T. degree from Harvard University Graduate School of Education. I tutored fellow students in college and afterward. As a college admissions and financial aid counselor at a high school in Los Angeles, I garnered a lot of experience editingcollege application essays. In recent years, I have edited writers' manuscripts. I really enjoy helping a writer develop a cogent essay, whether this is a personal essay or one analyzing a piece of literature; I focus like a laser on grammar and punctuation.

I am a graduate of UC Berkeley with an English major and a history minor and received a M.A.T. degree from Harvard University Graduate School of Education. I tutored fellow students in college and afterward. As a college admissions…Read more

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"Amazing college essay tutor!"

- Ainura, Irvine, CA on 2/7/16

Irma really helped polish my daughter's college essays and helped with the college application process in general. She kept my daughter on track and was very knowledgeable, professional, and patient. I loved how she always kept me updated with what was done during each lesson. My daughter really enjoyed working with Irma and felt that she was very easy to talk to. I will definitely hire Irma for my younger daughter when the time comes!

"Knowledgable and patient"

- Linda, Orange, CA on 12/1/15

Irma was very helpful with my essay. She was very patient and knew a lot about the topic my essay was on.

"Very experienced and patient"

- Gina, Irvine, CA on 7/21/15

She is very patient and uses very interesting learning tools. She prepares her classes based on what you really need to improve. Exercises include writing based on newspaper articles and composing sentences from different extract paragraphs.

"Irma W - Best English Tutor/Highly Recommend"

- Hung, Irvine, CA on 5/4/15

Irma delivers results. I received a B in the first semester of my sophomore Honor’s English class. Irma began working with me. Two and a half years later, I have received all A’s in sophomore Honors, Junior and Senior AP English classes. I have that same teacher for my senior AP English. She wrote a stellar college recommendation letter for me and noted that I am one of her top writers. She used my essays as a writing sample for my AP English peers. I took my ACT and my English and Reading scores were in the top 3 percentile. I have some great college choices due to Irma, including UCLA and USC. Irma worked on all facets of my writing and critical reading skill sets. She is an effective communicator and I feel that my improved writing and critical thinking skills will prepare me for college and beyond. I am grateful to have the opportunity to work with Irma. She has been a fantastic mentor for me. More importantly, she also cares about my future. My father will have Irma work with my younger sister as well. I give Irma the highest recommendation. Thank you Irma!

"Irma is a great tutor."

- Deqiang, Irvine, CA on 5/10/13

Hey, I think Irma is one of the best teachers I have ever seen. She not only helped me proofread and edit my essay but also gave some background about my essay. That helps me a lot. By the way, she is so kind.

"Very patient!"

- Leigh, Newport Beach, CA on 9/24/12

Irma has been amazing with my daughter in helping her with her college essays. She is very patient and has given her great direction toward completing this task.

"Great tutor!"

- Jennifer, Irvine, CA on 4/16/12

Don't hesitate to hire Irma! She's very easy to work with and understood exactly what I needed when writing my college essay. Call her! You won't regret it!

"She is without a doubt the best!!"

- Linda, La Palma, CA on 3/19/12

She is the greatest! I haven't written much what with grandkids staying different times during the summer but her suggestions are wonderful observations and critical to the novel. She helps me rethink my story line and makes it so much more interesting. Thank You for a wonderful tutor!!!

"Amazing Tutor!"

- TU QUYEN, Fullerton, CA on 12/27/11

Ms. Irma has been a tremendous help to me as a writing tutor! She has helped me make my writing more concise and to the point while managing to help keep my own point of view and perspective. She has been integral to my writing success and has provided an unmeasurable amount of support and assistance in the college essay process. I would recommend Ms. Irma wholeheartedly to anyone in need of a writing tutor!

"Provides great feedback and insightful suggestions in a timely manner."

- Jessica, Chino Hills, CA on 11/7/11

I would recommend Irma to help with editing your son's / daughter's college application essay. Irma has provided our son with suggestions to improve his essay and corrected grammar / punctuation as needed. Irma is flexible and timely in getting work reviewed and edited. Typically has essay reviewed and returned within a day or two.

Knowing the importance of submitting a strong essay to compete with other students, I would highly recommend Irma help your son / daughter with their college essay.

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College Counseling

I worked as a college admissions and financial aid counselor at a high school in the Los Angeles Unified School District for over 12 years. During that time, I edited many student essays and wrote many college recommendations. My students were accepted at colleges all over the country, from Ivy League schools to local colleges. I was a member of the California Student Aid Commission, representing secondary schools in California. I held volunteer positions with College Board and College Scholarship Service. As the college counselor, I recommended colleges for students, suggested summer high school programs, helped students plan their classes, worked with parents.

English

I have particular expertise in 20th-century English and American literature, as well as 17th-century literature, including John Milton and the metaphysical poets. In college, I wrote an honors thesis on John Milton's "Paradise Lost", which compared the visual elements of the great poem to the contemporary Baroque movement in art. I have strong skills in helping students analyze pieces of literature so they can write effective essays.

Grammar

As a former high school English teacher, I have studied and taught grammar for years. I am familiar with all the grammar concepts that students need to write and communicate clearly. I majored in English at UC Berkeley and have a M.A.T. from Harvard University. I teach grammar by reviewing rules and then putting them into practice with lots of exercises and practical application through the student's writing.

Literature

I have a B.A. in English from UC Berkeley and a M.A.T. with a concentration in English from Harvard. I took literature classes that ranged from Chaucer to modern American and English literature. Additionally, I took classes in European literature. I have always read widely in all types of literature and have a solid knowledge of major authors. Since I am also a student of history, I can contextualize literature for students.

Proofreading

I have a very sharp eye for grammatical and punctuation errors of omission and commission. Mistakes jump out at me. If you need to have a text you have written cleaned up, I can do that for you quickly and efficiently.

Study Skills

As a former high school English teacher and college admissions counselor, I am well-versed in assisting students with their study skills as well as time management skills (the two are closely linked). I teach students how to prioritize assignments, "decode" essay/assignment prompts, and break down tasks into logical and specific components. I also teach them how to read textbook and literature assignments so they look for important elements first and then the secondary details. I review different learning techniques, depending on the assignments or tests.

Writing

As a former high school English teacher, I taught students how to write clear, effective essays. As a college admissions counselor at a high school, I focused intensely on my students' essays. Presently, as a tutor for both high school and college students, I continue to use my skills to help students craft the best essays they can for their classes and their various applications (college, graduate school, grants, etc.).

University of California, Berkeley

English

Harvard University Graduate School of Education

Master's

Education

University of California, Berkeley (English)

Harvard University Graduate School of Education (Master's)

Amazing college essay tutor! —
Irma really helped polish my daughter's college essays and helped with the college application process in general. She kept my daughter on track and was very knowledgeable, professional, and patient. I loved how she always kept me updated with what was done during each lesson. My daughter really enjoyed working with Irma and felt that she was very easy to talk to. I will definitely hire Irma for m
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